Comment period open for Bull Run variance

The public is invited to comment on a possible variance for the city of Portland's Bull Run water reservoir through 5 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 8.

Gresham supplies its residents with water purchased from Portland's Bull Run reservoir, as well as with water from Gresham wells.

Oregon Health Authority's Public Health Division reopened the comment period in light of December testing of Bull Run water that showed evidence of cryptosporidium, which is a microscopic parasite that can infect humans and animals.

'The detections are a change from the information upon which our draft order was based, and are relevant to the monitoring requirements we have laid out in the proposed order,' said Gail Shibley, administrator for health authority's Office of Environmental Public Health. 'It seems fair that we allow people time to comment in light of the new information.'

In December, the Public Health Division announced its intent to grant a variance for cryptosporidium to the city of Portland Bull Run Reservoir after a 36-day public comment period. The final order is expected in March.

Comments should be limited to the newest information about cryptosporidium testing results. They can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or mailed to Oregon Health Authority's Public Health Division, Office of Environmental Public Health, Drinking Water Program, 800 N.E. Oregon St., Suite 640, Portland OR 97232.

The city of Portland's report on the recent cryptosporidium detections in Bull Run are outlined at portlandonline.com/water/index.cfm?c=53849 and a=382721.